ORLANDO, Fla., Sep. 17 /CSRwire/ - Homelessness rates in Florida have risen and the state now ranks 3rd in number of people affected. To stem and reduce the issue, a new report from the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness (CFCH) offers a comprehensive roadmap for creating policies and programs aimed at making homelessness rare, brief and one-time, especially among youth and veterans—the groups most impacted in the state.

The report “The Path Forward: Rethinking Solutions for Homelessness in Florida”, developed by leading national expert Barbara Poppe was released today and was developed with funding support from JPMorgan Chase.

According to the new report, the main priority is to seek Housing First legislation to accelerate the creation of more affordable rental housing, implement rapid rehousing, and produce additional units of permanent supportive housing. This model has proven effective nationwide and is a centerpiece of Opening Doors, the nation’s first comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness launched in 2010 under Poppe’s leadership.

“Ending homelessness is a complex, but attainable goal when we put the right resources at work, collaborate, and have in-depth information from people who experience it, so we can create the right strategies to help them,” said author Poppe, a top authority on the issue and former executive director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

To address the shortage of permanent supportive housing options for chronically homeless individuals, veterans and families in Orlando and Jacksonville, JPMorgan Chase granted $600,000 to Ability Housing to support the development of new permanent supportive housing units.

The banking firm has funded Ability Housing’s work in Jacksonville since 2002 and also provided the seed grant to explore expansion into Central Florida in the fall of 2014. The nonprofit has already developed 298 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing in Jacksonville. Through the grant, they will be adding units in Central Florida where there are very few permanent supportive housing developers.

“Florida means opportunity for so many, and when we have families and individuals facing homelessness, we are falling short on that promise, and impeding prosperity and growth” said Mel Martinez, Chairman for JPMorgan Chase in the Southeast and a former board member for the CFCH. “To end homelessness in our state, we need the collective work and support from businesses, philanthropy and government to help more people in our state never have to worry about having a roof over their head.”

The report results are based on research and input from community dialogues conducted in Tampa Bay, Central Florida, Jacksonville and Miami to get local insight from homeless service providers, business leaders, and philanthropic funders. This research report builds on JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to creating pathways to economic opportunities especially Veterans and others who need affordable housing

“Our region has a long history of caring for those in need, and we are deeply grateful for the commitment of JPMorgan Chase to helping those affected by homelessness,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “Thanks to the JPMC investment in research, data and community resources, Orange County and our partners are better equipped to understand the deeply complex issue of homelessness, and to work together to lift homeless individuals, Veterans and families onto the path of hope and self-sufficiency.”

“We’ve long been known for our culture of collaboration, as strongly-forged partnerships are transforming our region. With the support of business leaders, like JPMorgan Chase, we are turning this strength to focus on homelessness, demonstrating our region’s culture of caring,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

The document also provides comprehensive data on the population affected by homelessness, including demographics and housing cost statistics. In addition, it outlines recommendations for providing services that can help the most at-risk and chronically homeless populations receive the help they need to obtain shelter, employment opportunities and access to care and wellness services.

The report comes on the heels of recent initiatives and efforts from mayors across Florida who are working to aggressively reduce housing instability in their communities. It follows the Commission’s Veterans Surge, which established a regional registry of former military service members experiencing homelessness, and the expansion of Ability Housing from Jacksonville into Central Florida to create an increase in affordable housing capacity.

About JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.4 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.